LARGE ENTRIES EXPECTED

Southland Times, Issue 23988, 1 December 1939, Page 11

LARGE ENTRIES EXPECTED

CENTENNIAL ROYAL SHOW MANY IMPROVEMENTS TO GROUNDS The Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association has this year been privileged to stage the Royal Agricultural Show of New Zealand, which will mark the centennial of the Dominion and its wonderful development since the pioneer settlers arrived on its shores 100 years ago. Tlte people of the province have participated in the holding of two previous royal shows at Invercargill—in 1929 and again in 1934—and on each occasion the general public afforded the Agricultural and Pastoral Association its generous support and patronage, the fixtures being successful in every way. But on the present occasion the promoters are leaving nothing to chance and are determined that the Centennial Royal Show will be a true reflex of the development that has taken place in the breeding and quality of the stock of the Dominion during the century. The directors of the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association have shown a commendable broadness of outlook by accepting the co-operation of other Agricultural and Pastoral As'sociations of the province and adjacent associations of Otago. Representatives of other associations have been added to the directorate and it is freely acknowledged that it is an all-South-land effort. accommodating exhibits Active steps have been taken to accommodate the stock exhibits, which are expected to be double the number entered at an ordinary summer show. New, permanent loose boxes have been erected and also extra pony boxes. Approximately 300 temporary stalls will be erected in the Drill Hall for cattle exhibits, 400 to 500 extra sheep pens are in the course of erection, and from 40 to 50 extra pig pens will have to be provided. This all means work and a competent team of carpenters and others are on the job, which has to be complete and ready for reception of exhibits on Sunday, December 10. Extensive improvements to the re-cently-acquired property are now complete, the wilderness known to many city people having been transformed into a valuable, level, and well-grassed paddock extending from Fox street north to Beatrice street. Portion of this area is to be used for parking the cars of members and visitors to the show, and the remainder will be utilized for show exhibits.

The area set aside for the parking of cars is of such dimensions that it is estimated it will accommodate approximately 4000 cars. It is “part and parcel” of the show ground and should

be greatly appreciated by car owners and their families, who, at previous royal shows, had to suffer the inconvenience of a car parked perhaps a mile distant in a city street Provision is being made for an adequate supply of boiling water for those who may bring a picnic lunch.

Admittance to the show ring from the parking area will be through newly-constructed stiles and members’ gates. To avoid delay and congestion at the gates admitting cars to the parking area no attempt will be made to collect admission tickets or cash, apart from the charge of 2/6 for nonmembers’ cars. Members’ tickets, all classes of passes and cash, will be dealt with at the stiles and gates leading from the parking area to the show ring. TRAFFIC CONTROL In anticipation of a huge crowd, especially on people’s day, Wednesday, December 13, careful consideration has been given to traffic control and visitors to the show who arrive by motor-cars are advised to make themselves familiar with the arrangements, namely, that all motor traffic must enter by Fox street. Exit from the ground can be made by Beatrice street, at any time, or Fox street, after 3.30 p.m. There will be no admission to the parking area by Beatrice street. Having completed the work of preparation and providing for al} contingencies, the directors now look forward to the realization of their hopes of a huge entry and a crowd of visitors excelling the high standards set in 1929 and 1934. Already, the secretary (Mr A. L. Adamson) reports having received entries from the North Island and many from Canterbury and Otago, in addition to those from local breeders. It is known that many more are to come in and the expectations are for a total in keeping with the importance of the event.

The show will extend over three days, December 12, 13 and 14. Judging of cattle, sheep and pigs will be carried out on Tuesday, the first day, and horses will be judged on Wednesday and Thursday. On the Wednesday the association will be honoured by the presence of their Excellencies, the Governor-Gen-eral, Lord Galway, and Lady Galway. Lord Galway will officially open the show from the grandstand at 1.45 p.m. that day. The directors appeal to all Southlanders to assist them by taking a member’s ticket for the occasion. They rely on the ready response of the people of the province to an appeal of this nature and look forward with confidence to the result.